The 2025 On XCR season is locked and loaded.
Based on member feedback, alterations have been made, and an exciting new race has been added.
We’ve worked hard to provide a fun, engaging, and competitive experience for athletes of all ages and abilities – whether you’re looking to join friends for a social day out or you’re an elite athlete chasing a PB on the fast, flat surfaces of Lakeside or Burnley, AV has you covered.
What’s New?
The certification of the Lakeside:10 course was a welcome addition to last year’s race, and while that work was being completed on the 10km course, forward-thinking AV staff added a 5km course to the mix. Round 4 of XCR on June 15 will feature a fully certified 5km course at Lakeside, while the Lakeside:10 will return later in the season. This is not only a chance for a fast 5km time but also an opportunity for the less experienced runner to join in a big event.
Additional Individual Rounds
In 2025-26, Junior and Open athletes will have seven (7) opportunities to compete individually in XCR, meaning a 40% increase in XCR opportunities for Junior athletes, and a 17% increase in XCR opportunities for Open athletes compared to last year.
We Heard You
Due to feedback from club officials, this year the Jells Park Relays will move to Round 3. This will give everyone the opportunity to sign up, get fit, and get together for some team fun!
Bundoora
This year the Bundoora course will hold the All Schools Individual racing only (selection for U14-U18 National Championships), with the U20 and Open athletes heading to Ballarat for their National Selection Trials. The benefits of this are twofold; relieving the pressure of an increasingly long day at Bundoora as it continues to build in popularity, while providing a ‘test event’ at Ballarat for athletes and officials as the Round 6 course will follow the same route as the National Championships on August 23.
Overage & Junior athletes will also have the opportunity to compete for XCR points on the National Cross Country Course at Round 6.
Hanging Rock
Proving popular in its first year, Hanging Rock will return in 2025. Fans of St Anne’s at Bendigo need not fear; the plan is to rotate Hanging Rock with St Anne’s Bendigo, which will return in 2026. We love our friends at St Anne’s!
Ekiden
Due to feedback and participation levels, the Ekiden Relays will not be held this year. We will, however, be heading back to St Anne’s Myrniong for a 12km individual event in Round 2.
We can’t wait to see you! Stay tuned for more announcements on the opening of entries.
